Front Hub bearing replacement

[David Ponder]

My 01 ST 4X4 has started making noise from the drivers side hub. I am sure the hub bearing is at fault since I had to replace one on a Buick that was making the same sound. So, I have 3 questions for our members.



First, regarding the replacement part. I see there is a wide range of prices and brands. I have seen them from $142 each up to $212 each. Is this a part I would be beter off ordering from the dealership? (Wall's) Or would one from Advance / Oreiley / Autozone be just as good?



Second, I assume that since one is making noise, it would be best to go ahead and replace both. Do you agree, or is this a case of "Dont fix it if it aint broke"?



Third, I need to make a trip down to my mom's house and need to leave Thursday after work. Its about 360 miles one way. I am repairing a car for my Sisters roommate, so I was going to take the ST since I may need to rent a tow dolly while I am there to move the car, but now am reconsidering due to the hub noise. The noise just started in the last few days, and it is only noticable when you listen closely. In your opinions, will it wait until I get back? (My other choice to drive down there is my 97 Escort commuter car, and though I know it would get better mileage, but the ST would be much more comfortable)



Thanks for any thoughts, opinions, and input.



Dave

 

[Chad Merry]

I just changed both of mine out last Sunday, I figured if 1 is bad the other is close behind it. I got mine from Autozone because they were Timken bearings with a 1yr warranty. No other store had Timken except Carquest and NAPA but they also wanted 220.00 for them. Mine were 174.00 each after tax from Autozone. Mine did not show normal wear, that would make the tire wobble when jacked up, they just made alot of vibration.



If you have a good knowledge of the front end it about a 2-3 hour job by yourself. But if they started making noise they are probably fine for a while, but anything can happen.

 

[Woppy V]

I replaced my drivers side hub when it went bad and didn't touch the passengers. no problems.



Walls will mail it to your front door for about 165.00 pending where you live...



I ran on my bad hub for a month before finally getting around to it... not the wisest idea but I felt I could do it...





gl.

 

[Shaun Tucker]

you should definitely replace both and do it before the trip. I had to drive about 260kms on my bad hubs and they gave out and i was stuck on the side of the highway. u dont want that to happen to you..

 

[Yardsale]

Timken parts seem good.



When one was bad, I had both replaced under that "the other can't be far behind theory" and one of the replacements went bad within months. I replaced then both under the theory of inferior parts. Now I "don't fix it if it ain't broke" (or there are substantial miles on the parts).



I drove many hundred miles on that bad replacement before replacing it. However, if you have the time to do the replacement, or another vehicle that you can use to tow, those are good options.

 

[David Ponder]

Thanks for the responses. I will certainly replace both at the same time, for peace of mind if nothing else.



I decided to take my Escort out of town so I'll fix the ST when I get back. If I need to have the other car towed, I'll just hire a local tow company to move it.



Dave